Change career

[Weeziebaby1]

I am 54 year old female and am a nurse (LPN) not RN....I was diagnoses with cancer, had an operatio, went thru 6 months of chemo and have to continue chemo once a month for a year.... I worked at my job for 20 yrs as a nurse (LPN)....it consisted of passing medications to 40 patients within a 2 hr time period, cart weighing 300 lbs approx, then doing approx 10 patients treatments, picking up doctors orders , charting , doing a 2-4 page report and in charge of 5 CNA's....very fast past environment and stressful....I made $32.50 per hour.... I want to go back to work but I cannot go back doing that work... paper work yes but being a med nurse in that environment I cannot with chemo and my immune system being affected by the level of stress in that environment.* I live in NY...Now I cannot afford to work in another field at less then what I was making.* I couldnt survive financially...what do I do I am in a cunnundrum...I NEED AND WANT TO WORK but need to make no less then what I was making....

[hgrimmett]

Maybe you ought to look into working as a nurse in a different environment, say hospice, schools, or correctional facilities.

[MNswede]

I am 54 year old female and am a nurse (LPN) not RN....i was diagnoses with cancer, had an operatio, went thru 6 months of chemo and have to continue chemo once a month for a year.... i worked at my job for 20 yrs as a nurse (LPN)....it consisted of passing medications to 40 patients within a 2 hr time period, cart weighing 300 lbs approx, then doing approx 10 patients treatments, picking up doctors orders , charting , doing a 2-4 page report and in charge of 5 CNA's....very fast past environment and stressful....I made $32.50 per hour.... i want to go back to work but i cannot go back doing that work... paper work yes but being a med nurse in that environment i cannot with chemo and my immune system being affected by the level of stress in that environment.* I live in NY...Now i cannot afford to work in another field at less then what i was making.* i couldnt survive financially...what do i do i am in a cunnundrum...i NEED AND WANT TO WORK but need to make no less then what i was making....*Louise Zayas****[email protected]

I would suggest you look into home health care, or maybe a job with a medical regulatory company (innovators, companies that help get new medical products through the FDA process), maybe see if your employer has a position for you that has light duty involved. I guess first step is to involve your employer and see if they will work with you.

[Tnyce]

Sorry about your health issues, maybe you can look into working with the developmentally disabled population, there is a company called hudson valley ddso I hear the work is pretty easy

[DSkelton711]

I just really wanted to say I hope you can find something that will allow you to continue in your chosen profession as a nurse. Make sure to network and put out there how much experience you have and all the things you are able to do. I don't know if you'll be able to make exactly what you do now, but hopefully something close. I was on disability for awhile which didn't come close to even covering my bills. But I finally found something that allowed me back in the nursing profession. Are you able to do a LPN to RN program as this would give you more opportunities. Or maybe if you have any insurance knowledge. Work on computer skills as everyone wants employees that are computer savvy and have worked with Microsoft Office and other programs. Good Luck.

[Elizabeth138]

Weeziebaby1, My heart goes out to you. I am also in a similar position. I have LUPUS, Sjogren's, and antiophospholipid syndrome. I am a RN and am also looking to change fields due to the high stress, fast pace, and physical demand of being an ICU nurse. My physicians have told me if I can't find an easier, less physically demanding, and reduced stress job then I might as well start planning my funeral?!? Most jobs that are less physically demanding (i.e. education, research, & case management) not only require you to be a RN but also have a Bachelors at the very least. I only have my ADN. I would love to get my BSN but that costs money that I don't have and there is no way I can attend school plus work this job without serious effects to my health. With you only being a LPN I can see your dilemma. I am now searching for jobs in many nearby states to see if the job market for those types of jobs are more plentiful and require a little less education. i hate the thought of relocation since my family and doctors are here but I have to do what is best for my family. If you can't find anything locally, start looking elsewhere. You may have to relocate and go where the jobs are. Best of luck, Elizabeth138